New Mexico Legislature enters final stretch with no budget

The Legislature is running out of time in its 30-day session with the main issues still unresolved, including a $6 billion budget to finance public schools and government programs starting in July.

The session ends on Thursday, but neither the House nor the Senate have approved a budget. Much of the dispute is over how much control Republican Gov. Susana Martinez should have over money for educational programs.

Also pending are proposals to shore up a lottery-financed college scholarship program, finance capital improvements and raise the minimum wage.

If no budget is approved, lawmakers will be forced to return to work in a special legislative session.

Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez said Saturday he was "concerned but I am not panicked" that so many issues are unresolved.

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